The private aviation industry has reached a significant milestone, specifically for the French aerospace company Dassault. After more than two years of testing, the latest in the company's Falcon family - the 6X, has obtained certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

All about the Falcon 6X

Also known as the world's first extra widebody business jet, the Dassault Falcon 6X aims to redefine the private jet experience with enhanced comfort, safety, and technology. Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW812D engines, the aircraft boasts a range of up to 5,500 nautical miles or 10,186 kilometers and is allowed a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. It is also the first Dassault business jet to have a nitrogen-inerting system.

And with one of the tallest and widest aircraft cabins in business aviation at 78 inches in height and 102 inches in width, the new aircraft will undoubtedly provide unmatched spaciousness and freedom of movement for up to 16 passengers, as often described by the company:

"The Falcon 6X is the most spacious, advanced, and versatile twinjet in the long-range business jet segment, and it has been recongized with various design awards."

Not only does the Falcon 6X promise to wrap passengers in unparalleled space and comfort, but the aircraft also has advanced technologies installed - from ground-breaking digital systems to almost perfect aerodynamics and compatibility with Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), allowing for a smooth, precise, and potentially sustainable flying experience like no other.

Photo: Dassault

Attempting to receive certification

But before the Falcon 6X could be delivered to its many awaiting customers, Dassault has to first gain certification from both the EASA and the FAA to ensure the new aircraft complies with the latest regulations to improve aviation safety and security. The certification process began just over two years ago when the Falcon 6X underwent testing campaigns.

The aircraft was required to log 1,500 flight hours worldwide through these numerous campaigns. Unfortunately, the aircraft's certification process hit a slight roadblock last month after Dassault found that two particular areas of the fuselage-centered fuel tank could not sustain the wheel flange debris impact without the risk of fuel leakage. Due to this issue, the company requested a deviation from EASA regulations.

Photo: Dassault

A request for deviation was likely the only option for Dassault since the issue was only discovered significantly late in the aircraft's development and certification process. And fortunately for the company, the EASA granted this deviation if Dassault agreed to make the necessary design changes to ensure complete compliance once the Falcon 6X was certified.

Closer to commencing commercial flights

With the issue somewhat resolved, Dassault continued the certification process for the Falcon 6X without further hiccups. Then, on August 22nd, both the EASA and the FAA granted the new aircraft a Type Certificate, and the company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eric Trappier, celebrated this achievement by highlighting the following:

"The certification of the Falcon 6X is a remarkable milestone for Dassault Aviation. We want to recognize the EASA and FAA certification teams for their commitment to this demanding process and our customers' confidence. The Falcon 6X is the first brand-new business jet to comply with the latest regulations, enhancing the safety and security of all new aircraft."

Now that the certification process is done and dusted, Dassault is even more optimistic about making progressive headway in meeting its target to get the Falcon 6Xs delivered to customers and have them entered into service this year, with the first units already undergoing final completion at the company's center in Arkansas - where the design issue will likely be fixed.

Photo: Dassault

Bottom line

Given the newest developments concerning the Falcon 6X program, it won't be long before the new aircraft begins commencing commercial flights and enabling Dassault to redefine the business and private jet travel experience for passengers. With this program somewhat settled, the company can focus more heavily on the Falcon 10X program - also known as a 'game-changer,' as Dassault expects to obtain certification in 2025.